10 On-The-Go Snack Ideas (That Don’t Need To Be Refrigerated!)

It's 2 p.m. and you feel an awful growling in the pit of your stomach....

…You’ve been running from one meeting to the next, or chauffeuring the kids around all day-either way-the last thing you’ve had time to do is eat-much less think of a healthy snack.

At times like this you need an emergency stash of snacks to keep you on track and away from that desperation drive through run that we sometimes make when we get to the point where we’re too hungry to care and feel there’s no other option.

In an ideal healthy-eating world, there would always be access to a refrigerator to store plenty of fresh fruits and veggies and other healthy snacks. But we all know that in our real on-the-go world, there are plenty of times when we are in our car, running errands, or at the office, when we need a healthy snack but are not in those ideal conditions.

That’s why I encourage you to keep an emergency stash of healthy snacks that travel well and don’t have to be refrigerated in your purse, in your car, and in your desk drawer. Yes, snacks like this really do exist! In fact, I have a whole list for you below.

My guidelines for a healthy snack is that it ranges between 150-200 calories and is a combination of carbohydrates (for quick energy) and either protein or healthy fats (for staying power). So these snacks on my emergency stash list meet those requirements.

Top 10 Emergency Stash Snacks:

Trail Mix: Make your own by combining 2 parts nuts with one part no-sugar-added dried fruit and put a 1/3 cup serving in a plastic baggie. Or try one of the new pre-packaged options that are already portioned out.

Apple and Peanut Butter: Yes, you can take this with you! Apples do not have to be refrigerated and travel very well. Many companies now sell single-serving packages of peanut butter, which make them very easy to throw in your purse.

Lean Beef Jerky and Unsweetened Apple Sauce: This makes for a great sweet and salty combination. Individually-wrapped beef jerky and single serving containers of apple sauce make this an easy snack to keep anywhere- even in your purse.

Tuna Snack Packs: I found these at the grocery store in the aisle with the regular cans of tuna. These snack packs come complete with a single-serving packet of tuna, some light mayo, relish, and whole wheat crackers. I often take them in the car on road trips for a filling snack.

Popcorn with Dried Roasted Chickpeas: You can find roasted, dried and seasoned chickpeas in specialty grocery stores or you can make your own- add it to some pre-popped popcorn for a flavor, crunchy snack.

Almond Butter and Banana Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread: Don’t just think of sandwiches as lunch fare-options such as this can make great snacks as well. I cut my sandwich into fourths before packing it up so that I can just eat the amount I need. This is good for a day of driving too as one sandwich can serve as 2 or 3 snacks.

Carrot Sticks and a Wedge of Laughing Cow Cheese: If you will be eating your snack in less than 4 hours, this snack works as a portable option as these things can stay unrefrigerated just fine for about that long. If it is going to be longer than that, or you would like to be able to take more fresh options with you, simply get a small cooler with ice packs to keep in your car to keep the food cool.

Snack Bars: Choose ones that contain a combination of carbohydrates and protein, such as Luna bars, Kind bars, and Lara bars. I always keep one of these in my gym bag and purse.

Dry Whole-Grain Cereal mixed with Sunflower Seeds: This is a great option that you can seal in a plastic baggie and keep in your purse or desk drawer for several weeks. Use 2 parts cereal and 1 part seeds and limit total serving to 1/3 cup.

Rice Cake with Low-fat Pudding Cup: If you are craving something sweet on the go, this snack is a great option. Choose a pudding cup that doesn’t require refrigeration and pair it with a whole grain rice cake for a snack that is a good source of calcium and also provides a little protein and fiber.

Do you have an emergency stash? If so, what snacks are your favorites?